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Slovyansk - Ukraine's acting president has accused Russia of backing separatists in the country's restive east and demanded that Moscow stop its intimidation campaign and leave his country alone.

Oleksandr Turchynov said in an address to the nation on Thursday that Russia was "coordinating and openly supporting terrorist killers" in eastern Ukraine, where government buildings in at least 10 cities have been seized by pro-Russian gunmen.

Turchynov said Russia must pull back its troops from the Ukrainian border and "stop the constant threats and blackmail".

The statement comes hours after the Russian defence minister announced new military exercises near the border with Ukraine and clashes between Kiev troops and pro-Russian insurgents killed at least two people.

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